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"I collected thousands of stories of people (as adults) who were harmed while they were kids and anywhere from suicide to physical sexual abuse and then to psychological sexual abuse and there are just all kinds of horrible consequences that have come out of these interviews. To raise awareness these interviews and stories are all shared at protectldschildren.org." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"I collected thousands of stories of people (as adults) who were harmed while they were kids and anywhere from suicide to physical sexual abuse and then to psychological sexual abuse and there are just all kinds of horrible consequences that have come out of these interviews. To raise awareness these interviews and stories are all shared at protectldschildren.org." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"I found out that my daughter, when she was 12 years old, was asked sexually explicit questions behind the closed doors of a bishop. This introduced her to pornography, and introduced her to masturbation. I had no idea this happened until 10 years after she left the young women's program." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"I found out that my daughter, when she was 12 years old, was asked sexually explicit questions behind the closed doors of a bishop. This introduced her to pornography, and introduced her to masturbation. I had no idea this happened until 10 years after she left the young women's program." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"That got me very upset to hear this was done to my child! Then I found out it happened to three more but my children. So four out of my six children were asked sexual explicit questions behind a closed door. I knew, everybody in the world knows that's wrong, dead wrong, except members of our church. I believe that the Apostles even know that it's dead wrong." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"That got me very upset to hear this was done to my child! Then I found out it happened to three more but my children. So four out of my six children were asked sexual explicit questions behind a closed door. I knew, everybody in the world knows that's wrong, dead wrong, except members of our church. I believe that the Apostles even know that it's dead wrong." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"After a series of events, I was disciplined by the church and then excommunicated from the church for speaking out against church policy and leaders, which made me an apostate. The disciplinary council often mentioned protecting the good name of the church, but I was more concerned with protecting children." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"After a series of events, I was disciplined by the church and then excommunicated from the church for speaking out against church policy and leaders, which made me an apostate. The disciplinary council often mentioned protecting the good name of the church, but I was more concerned with protecting children." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"I launched a crusade to get this changed in our church. I was very naive I thought it would be an easy change to make. I subsequently found out that this has happened to countless people. It's a very very common practice in our church to ask sexually explicit questions and it's mandated you take kids behind closed doors." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
"I launched a crusade to get this changed in our church. I was very naive I thought it would be an easy change to make. I subsequently found out that this has happened to countless people. It's a very very common practice in our church to ask sexually explicit questions and it's mandated you take kids behind closed doors." - Sam Young's "I was a Mormon" | wasmormon.org
This turn of the century family portrait was taken close to the time Joseph F. Smith succeeded Lorenzo Snow as president of the LDS Church in October 1901. Besides Levira, with whom he had no children, Smith had five other wives and forty-eight children. His wives are (L to R seated by Smith): Mary Taylor Schwartz (married, 1884, seven children); Edna Lambson (married 1871, ten children); Julina Lambson (married 1866, thirteen children, including Joseph Fielding Smith—top row, center); Sarah Ellen Richards (married 1868, eleven children); Alice Ann Kimball (married 1883, seven children); circa 1904
This turn of the century family portrait was taken close to the time Joseph F. Smith succeeded Lorenzo Snow as president of the LDS Church in October 1901. Besides Levira, with whom he had no children, Smith had five other wives and forty-eight children. His wives are (L to R seated by Smith): Mary Taylor Schwartz (married, 1884, seven children); Edna Lambson (married 1871, ten children); Julina Lambson (married 1866, thirteen children, including Joseph Fielding Smith—top row, center); Sarah Ellen Richards (married 1868, eleven children); Alice Ann Kimball (married 1883, seven children); circa 1904
"If we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time—until we look back and can’t quite understand why we had ever believed the gospel was true. Our previous knowledge might even seem foolish to us because what once was so clear has again become blurred, hazy, and distant." - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf | wasmormon.org
"If we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time—until we look back and can’t quite understand why we had ever believed the gospel was true. Our previous knowledge might even seem foolish to us because what once was so clear has again become blurred, hazy, and distant." - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf
"When I first looked upon him I was afraid, but the fear soon left me. He called me by name and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me and that his name was Nephi/Moroni." History, 1838–1856, Volume A-1, “Manuscript History of the Church” Joseph Smith Papers Project vs Joseph Smith History 1:32-33, Canonized Extracts from the History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet | wasmormon.org
"When I first looked upon him I was afraid, but the fear soon left me. He called me by name and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me and that his name was Nephi/Moroni." History, 1838–1856, Volume A-1, “Manuscript History of the Church” Joseph Smith Papers Project vs Joseph Smith History 1:32-33, Canonized Extracts from the History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet
"his name was Nephi . " "Insertions by unidentified scribe; second inserted at the bottom of page 5." Manuscript for History of the Church. Church Historian Albert Carrington changed “Nephi” to “Moroni”, probably in 1871. | wasmormon.org
"his name was Nephi <​*Moroni​>. <*Evidently a clerical error; see D&C 50:2; 106:20; also Elder’s Journal Vol. 1; Should read Moroni.>" "Insertions by unidentified scribe; second inserted at the bottom of page 5." Manuscript for History of the Church. Church Historian Albert Carrington changed “Nephi” to “Moroni”, probably in 1871
"I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org
"I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013
"To be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org
"To be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013
“Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org
“Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013
“Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in Church history — along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events — there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org
“Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in Church history — along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events — there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013
“It’s natural to have questions... First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org
“It’s natural to have questions... First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013
This is not an ad, it's a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is not an ad, it's a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
"I love being contacted by former students, friends, ward members, who wonder how me and my family are. I am happy to tell them why I left, but the majority don't want to know. That's okay. Live and let live. The Mormon Church is not truthful. This deception should not be tolerated by disaffected members anymore than it is tolerated with an unfaithful spouse. Four of our five children graduated from Mormonism ahead of us. They set a good example for us. My wife and I; and the family, are happier than we have ever been." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I love being contacted by former students, friends, ward members, who wonder how me and my family are. I am happy to tell them why I left, but the majority don't want to know. That's okay. Live and let live. The Mormon Church is not truthful. This deception should not be tolerated by disaffected members anymore than it is tolerated with an unfaithful spouse. Four of our five children graduated from Mormonism ahead of us. They set a good example for us. My wife and I; and the family, are happier than we have ever been." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I just couldn't violate my conscience anymore. Years of study demonstrated "beyond a shadow of a doubt" that Mormonism's leaders had no intention of sharing the truth with the world. They were instead committed to a giant coverup of all historical and doctrinal information that might sully the image of the church." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I just couldn't violate my conscience anymore. Years of study demonstrated "beyond a shadow of a doubt" that Mormonism's leaders had no intention of sharing the truth with the world. They were instead committed to a giant coverup of all historical and doctrinal information that might sully the image of the church." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"One need only read church history to note how often lying to protect the church and its leaders was used as a practical management tool. I started to compile a list of significant (not little ones) lies the church leaders have spread throughout history. I quit at 150 big lies from Joseph Smith to the present. (I later presented and published this list, they are easy to find with a quick "Lying for the Lord" search)" Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"One need only read church history to note how often lying to protect the church and its leaders was used as a practical management tool. I started to compile a list of significant (not little ones) lies the church leaders have spread throughout history. I quit at 150 big lies from Joseph Smith to the present. (I later presented and published this list, they are easy to find with a quick "Lying for the Lord" search)" Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"Emotions are Superior to Evidence based Truths. The Mormon leaders' admonitions to members about why feelings (testimonies) are superior to anything else including facts backed by hard evidence. The overwhelming message from leaders is doubt your (own) doubts and trust your leaders. Because they will never lead you astray." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"Emotions are Superior to Evidence based Truths. The Mormon leaders' admonitions to members about why feelings (testimonies) are superior to anything else including facts backed by hard evidence. The overwhelming message from leaders is doubt your (own) doubts and trust your leaders. Because they will never lead you astray." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"Certainty Breeds Intolerance. Teaching the gullible members to preface testimonies with "I know" is not only dishonest, it prompts members to think that they possess some secret and superior access to facts, otherwise unknown to the rest of the world." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"Certainty Breeds Intolerance. Teaching the gullible members to preface testimonies with "I know" is not only dishonest, it prompts members to think that they possess some secret and superior access to facts, otherwise unknown to the rest of the world." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I learned when studying and asking sincere questions that swift discipline and warnings came from leaders. They were not remotely interested in the true history and evolving and constantly changing position on "doctrines." Only that the membership would never learn the true history and absurd adjustments to doctrine." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I learned when studying and asking sincere questions that swift discipline and warnings came from leaders. They were not remotely interested in the true history and evolving and constantly changing position on "doctrines." Only that the membership would never learn the true history and absurd adjustments to doctrine." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I kept a journal and had large binders filled with life experiences and personal musings. I read them for inspiration from time to time (my personal Doctrine and Covenants), but all I could find on every page was guilt and feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. It was a record of a man riddled with angst and shame. I was miserable. Rather than bore readers with a lengthy list of "what else happened to me," I'd rather list the principles that left me wondering how I could have ever agreed to convert." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I kept a journal and had large binders filled with life experiences and personal musings. I read them for inspiration from time to time (my personal Doctrine and Covenants), but all I could find on every page was guilt and feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. It was a record of a man riddled with angst and shame. I was miserable. Rather than bore readers with a lengthy list of "what else happened to me," I'd rather list the principles that left me wondering how I could have ever agreed to convert." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I pressured, begged, pleaded, cajoled my new wife into joining the church in 1970. As a new convert I wanted to become a full time CES professional after graduation from college. I thought teaching full time for the church meant using a scholarly, studious approach to the church's origin story and its doctrine. I worked hard to become a noted defender of the church. I read everything, developed elaborate outlines and notes. I outlined chapters of the scriptures (all of them), with commentary." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"I pressured, begged, pleaded, cajoled my new wife into joining the church in 1970. As a new convert I wanted to become a full time CES professional after graduation from college. I thought teaching full time for the church meant using a scholarly, studious approach to the church's origin story and its doctrine. I worked hard to become a noted defender of the church. I read everything, developed elaborate outlines and notes. I outlined chapters of the scriptures (all of them), with commentary." Ken Clark - Find Ken's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/kenclark/
"Not many months later, the church published an essay confirming the facts that my non-believing friend had told me many times before, about Joseph Smith’s polygamist marriages to underage girls. So many "anti-Mormon lies" of yesterday, are confirmed truths today. My wife and I stepped away from the church. Our 4 children were out of the house and out of the church at that time as well. " - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Not many months later, the church published an essay confirming the facts that my non-believing friend had told me many times before, about Joseph Smith’s polygamist marriages to underage girls. So many "anti-Mormon lies" of yesterday, are confirmed truths today. My wife and I stepped away from the church. Our 4 children were out of the house and out of the church at that time as well. " - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Born in Salt Lake City, raised in a small, Southern Idaho Mormon community. Descendent of Mormon Pioneers. I served a mission, later married in the temple and served in many callings, from nursery to first counsellor in the bishopric. I was a Mormon." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Born in Salt Lake City, raised in a small, Southern Idaho Mormon community. Descendent of Mormon Pioneers. I served a mission, later married in the temple and served in many callings, from nursery to first counsellor in the bishopric. I was a Mormon." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Then one day I got some very terrible news about a member of my family. My life has not been short on adversity and this was one of the most adverse things that had ever happened. I was really angry at God, feeling picked on, ready to throw in the towel. Honestly, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was a hard thing for me, but I decided that I could no longer count myself a believer of the LDS church. Not even a believer in God." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Then one day I got some very terrible news about a member of my family. My life has not been short on adversity and this was one of the most adverse things that had ever happened. I was really angry at God, feeling picked on, ready to throw in the towel. Honestly, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was a hard thing for me, but I decided that I could no longer count myself a believer of the LDS church. Not even a believer in God." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"On a flight I sat next a Baptist Minister. I decided, contrary to my normal behavior on an airplane, to have a real conversation with a stranger. He told me about the Baptists' "Young Earth" beliefs and when I asked him about dinosaurs, he told me that carbon dating didn't work. I still remember my thought when he said that; "boy those Baptists sure expect their members to believe some silly stuff. Wait, so does my church". " - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"On a flight I sat next a Baptist Minister. I decided, contrary to my normal behavior on an airplane, to have a real conversation with a stranger. He told me about the Baptists' "Young Earth" beliefs and when I asked him about dinosaurs, he told me that carbon dating didn't work. I still remember my thought when he said that; "boy those Baptists sure expect their members to believe some silly stuff. Wait, so does my church". " - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"A few years later, in a High Priest Group meeting the lesson was about the translation of the Book of Mormon. After that lesson I was convinced that my doubts were unwarranted and that Joseph Smith truly did receive inspiration from God to translate. I was having a testimony roller coaster ride." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"A few years later, in a High Priest Group meeting the lesson was about the translation of the Book of Mormon. After that lesson I was convinced that my doubts were unwarranted and that Joseph Smith truly did receive inspiration from God to translate. I was having a testimony roller coaster ride." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Soon thereafter, I decided to revisit those issues I had with the Book of Mormon. I determined that I was going to figure it out on my own with church-approved material and taking in to account the experiences that I have witnessed in my own lifetime. Long story short, I came to the conclusion that what I believed in my heart about the nature of God was contradicted by many things I read in the BOM." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"Soon thereafter, I decided to revisit those issues I had with the Book of Mormon. I determined that I was going to figure it out on my own with church-approved material and taking in to account the experiences that I have witnessed in my own lifetime. Long story short, I came to the conclusion that what I believed in my heart about the nature of God was contradicted by many things I read in the BOM." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"For many years a close friend of mine has discussed with me a lot of topics that I considered anti-Mormon. This friend is one that I respect and admire, but I rejected everything he told me. I will never make a judgment about anything important like that unless I hear firsthand from unbiased witnesses without an agenda. The things he told me were unverifiable even though he believed them to be true and he was convinced that the LDS church was not true. I stood firm to my beliefs." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"For many years a close friend of mine has discussed with me a lot of topics that I considered anti-Mormon. This friend is one that I respect and admire, but I rejected everything he told me. I will never make a judgment about anything important like that unless I hear firsthand from unbiased witnesses without an agenda. The things he told me were unverifiable even though he believed them to be true and he was convinced that the LDS church was not true. I stood firm to my beliefs." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"When I was serving as the 1st counselor, the bishop at the time challenged everyone in the ward to read the Book of Mormon. I was on board and excited about the chance to strengthen my testimony about it and dove in head first to that challenge. I encouraged all my family members to participate as well. My attitude and heart were right, but as I read, my logical mind took over and I found myself doubting the validity of it. I had a few specific, but strong issues with it that I struggled with but I put them on a shelf in the back of my mind." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/
"When I was serving as the 1st counselor, the bishop at the time challenged everyone in the ward to read the Book of Mormon. I was on board and excited about the chance to strengthen my testimony about it and dove in head first to that challenge. I encouraged all my family members to participate as well. My attitude and heart were right, but as I read, my logical mind took over and I found myself doubting the validity of it. I had a few specific, but strong issues with it that I struggled with but I put them on a shelf in the back of my mind." - Find Brent's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brent-hale/